The stalemate over the toll hike for motor vehicles on National Highway 7, leading to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) here, continued even as the State government urged the Centre to implement the 2014 Toll Policy, which will reduce the toll rate by Rs. 20 (Rs. 10 each to and fro) to the airport.
Addressing presspersons after a meeting with officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Monday, Minister for Public Works H.C. Mahadevappa said Navayuga Devanahalli Tollway Pvt. Ltd. has been collecting toll based on the Toll Policy of 2007-08. Toll rates would come down by Rs. 20 to and from the airport if the Centre directs the private firm to collect toll based on the latest policy.
Before the meeting, the Minister had discussed the issue with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Oscar Fernandes, and urged him to direct the NHAI and the firm to collect toll based on 2014 Toll Policy.
“I am hopeful of solving the problem in a few days. NHAI is an independent body, and my appeal to the Centre is to direct the NHAI to implement the 2014 Toll Policy on NH 7,” the Minister said.
The 2014 Toll Policy would be implemented only for the NH leading to the KIA and not other National Highways in the State. The policy would be applicable only in the case of construction of elevated highways, the Minister said.
Mr. Mahadevappa said the private company has not built the elevated the road (road over bridge) at one place as well as the service road. As per policy guidelines, it must develop a service road. Further, the highway has not been fully developed as a signal-free corridor. The denial of service has caused resentment among residents of nearby villages, he said. The NHAI has been urged to look into any lapses of the private company in fulfilling the toll conditions, especially on construction of a service road and intersections on the road.
